‘People in this age group have lost more than $330,000 this year. That’s more than 60 per cent of the current losses,’ she said.

Ms Rickard says scammers are increasingly using trusted brands like ‘NBN’ to trick unsuspecting consumers into parting with their money or personal information.

Scamwatch has provided some examples of the most common types of NBN scams:

Someone pretending to be from NBN Co or an internet provider calls a victim and claims there is a problem with their phone or internet connection, which requires remote access to fix. The scammer can then install malware or steal valuable personal information, including banking details.

Scammers pretending to be the NBN attempting to sell NBN services, often at a discount, or equipment to you over the phone.

Scammers may also call or visit people at their homes to sign them up to the NBN, get them a better deal or test the speed of their connection. They may ask people to provide personal details such as their name, address, date of birth, and Medicare number or ask for payment through gift cards.

Scammers calling you during a blackout offering you the ability to stay connected during a blackout for an extra fee.

It is important to remember NBN Co is a wholesale-only company and does not sell services directly to consumers.

Ms Rickard has advised people to ask for the company’s details if they are ever suspicious.

‘If someone claiming to work ‘for the NBN’ tries to sell you an internet or phone service and you are unsure, ask for their details, hang up, and call your service provider to check if they’re legitimate,’ she said.

‘Do a Google search or check the phone book to get your service provider’s number, don’t use contact details provided by the sales person.’

'Never give an unsolicited caller remote access to your computer, and never give out your personal, credit card or online account details to anyone you don’t know – in person or over the phone – unless you made the contact.'